Project Mentor
Dr. Timothy Spellman
Department of Neuroscience
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description
| Project Description | How do higher-order brain circuits support flexible decision-making? This is an age-old question in neuroscience that can now be addressed in new ways, thanks to recent advances in tools for precisely controlling and monitoring neural activity. This project will use optogenetic methods, high-throughput rodent behavioral tasks, and cutting-edge computational tools to map the neuromodulatory cell types in the prefrontal cortex responsible for cognitive flexibility. Students will take responsibility for helping fine-tune, execute, and analyze the data from this project. |
| Project Direction | Students looking for a longer-term commitment to continuing a project beyond the summer term are encouraged to apply. Regardless of the outcome of the primary experiments the student will be executing during the summer, there will be multiple directions for follow-up. |
| Mentorship and Supervision | Training in animal handling procedures will be done personally by the PI. Thereafter, weekly meetings (at a minimum) will be used to trouble-shoot issues in the experiment and assess the student’s progress. |
| Student Qualifications | Students should have either a familiarity with or a strong interest in learning data analysis in Matlab or Python. Interest in circuit and systems-level neuroscience is critical. Background in engineering, physics, or advanced statistics a plus. Willingness to handle and work with mice is critical. |
| Summer Schedule Options | Research Dates: May 23 to July 29, 2022 Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm (Hours are flexible) |
| Project Continuation | Fall 2022, Spring 2023 |
| Academic Year Time Commitment | 9 hours/week |
| Possible Thesis Project | Yes |
Application
Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP22-27. The application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.
This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV and a brief statement of research interests. Reference information should be provided.